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Ethanol Called Fuel of Future

Bobby Likis is an engine builder with 45 years of experience in the automotive service industry.

He’s serviced around 200,000 vehicles and answered upward of 100,000 car-related questions on the radio. In this time, he’s seen no mechanical or engine problems due to ethanol.

While some say ethanol is not the fuel of the future, Likis disagrees. His interest in alcohol-based fuels started in 1965, so this is nothing new.

“I’ve always followed new and renewable fuels,” he said at the Indiana Ethanol Forum. “When ethanol came about, I said this is for me.”

Likis compared the car industry to a maze with four entry points: Drivers, car makers, mechanics and regulators.

“All of the four entry points lead to corn ethanol,” he said.

There are two bodies that regulate legislation for renewable fuels, he said: The Corporate Average Fuel Economy and Renewable Fuel Standard.

The two acts incentivize carmakers to build lighter vehicles with fuel efficient engines and lower emissions, he said.

“Ethanol does both of these things, as well as decrease dependency on foreign oil, increase energy security, boost the GDP, lower the cost at the pump and increase design innovation,” Likis said.

“Low food and fuel costs have been the drivers of our economy for many years. Drivers want high-performance engines that get better gas mileage. Drivers want more power, but they also want the miles per gallon.

“Historically it was an oxymoron — you can’t have both. But because of ethanol has the properties of high octane, it can not only provide cleaner air, but you can have your cake and eat it, too.”

The E-15 blend has been rigorously tested, he said.

With NASCAR, more than 7 million miles have been raced with no engine problems and increased performance.

More than 19 million gallons have been sold and more than 150 million miles have been driven on E-15 since its commercial introduction in 2012.

“How far is 150 million miles?” Likis asked. “It is 6,000 trips around the globe. In 6,000 trips there were no substantiated consumer complaints of inferior performance, engine damage or misfueling. I’ve never seen a problem with ethanol.

“There are no problems with E-15 fuels. Education is key. And that’s always a challenge.”